PTSD After 'Real Housewives': Kim Zolciak Declines RHOA Return

Kim Zolciak, known for her appearances on Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and "Don't Be Tardy", has revealed that she suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from her time on RHOA, leading her to decline a lucrative offer to rejoin the show.

While participating in MTV's "Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets", Zolciak disclosed her decision, highlighting the "toxic environment" she witnessed firsthand. Recalling a particularly harrowing experience during her pregnancy, she described witnessing "glasses being thrown" and a "terrible" atmosphere. "I walked away from millions of dollars," Zolciak stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation. "There's not enough money to ever go through what I went through, ever."

Zolciak was a founding cast member of RHOA in 2008, remaining a central figure for its first five seasons. Her popularity led to the creation of "Don't Be Tardy", which chronicled her life with husband Kroy Biermann and their family, running for eight seasons until 2020. Zolciak later returned to RHOA for Season 9 (2016) as a "friend of", but her tenure was short-lived due to escalating tensions with her co-stars.

Despite her strong stance against returning to RHOA, Zolciak has hinted at a possible change of heart. The recent return of Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams to the show in Season 16 has sparked a renewed interest in a potential return for Zolciak. She acknowledged the possibility, stating, "I've been saying I would never return, but as I'm talking right now, I might think about it because these are two very funny and light-hearted fun people. Porsha and Phaedra might do it for me. We'll see."

Zolciak's candid admission of her PTSD and her potential return to RHOA highlights the complex dynamics of reality television and its impact on the lives of its participants.